Skip to Main Navigation
Skip to Page Content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Nomination Summary for 4-Methylimidazole (N91312)

Nominated Substances: 4-Methylimidazole

Nomination Date: 05/14/1991

Nominator: NCI

Rationale: Widespread use in food products; potential for widespread exposure. Lack of chronic toxicity data and suspicion of carcinogenicity. 4-methylimidazole is the starting material for the synthesis of cimetidine, a histamine antagonist used in ulcer therapy. In addition to occupational exposure, human exposure may result from exposure to tobacco smoke and processed foods. It has been found in molasses, caramel colored syrups, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and wine.

NTP Principles: Pre 1993 - 3, 8

Agents and Status

The following information relates to the specific agent and may include history from earlier or later nominations for this same agent.

Back to Top

CASRN: 822-36-6

Agent Name: 4-Methylimidazole